Olympic champ Jones named Baku 2015 ambassador

Olympic champion Jade Jones will gear up for the Baku 2015 European Games as an international Athlete Ambassador for this summer’s inaugural event.

Jones, who became Team GB’s first ever taekwondo gold medallist at London 2012, will represent her sport and nation in helping promote the Games, which kick-off in Azerbaijan on June 12 2015.

The 21-year-old European silver medallist is hopeful of following up her new role with a place as a Team GB competitor at Baku 2015 and is looking forward to the new addition to the sporting calendar.

“I am very proud to have been named as a Baku 2015 Athlete Ambassador, and it will be an honour to help promote the Games,” said Jones.

“It is important for European athletes to have our own multi-sport event, and my aim is to become the first European Games Taekwondo champion.”

The Games will run until June 28 with over 6,000 European athletes competing across 20 sports in Baku.

Team GB is set to feature across 15 sports and 21 disciplines and Chef de Mission Mark England believes Jones’ involvement is a great boost for the event.

“Jade’s participation as a Baku 2015 international Athlete Ambassador reflects British athletes’ enthusiasm for the European Games,” said England.

“Britain has a strong sporting tradition and the Athlete Ambassador programme will help to generate interest and excitement in the country ahead of Baku 2015.”

Of Team GB's 21 disciplines, eight will have an added significance on the Road to Rio 2016 with each offering Olympic ranking points, qualification standards or automatic qualification for a certain number of athletes.

In addition, Baku provides World Championship qualification for both boxing and wrestling, which in turn will offer an opportunity to secure a spot in Brazil.

Baku 2015 also provides the chance for the more junior members of Team GB to gain valuable multi-sport Games experience as well as the prospect of competing against some of Europe’s elite.